With the 2021 NHL Entry Draft beginning later on Friday night, the rumors are starting to buzz about some high-profile players around the league and potential new destinations. And one of those rumors involves the Chicago Blackhawks.
Eliotte Friedman of SportsNet Canada wrote his draft preview on Thursday night and added a few tidbits regarding potential trades that we could see. The biggest one revolves around Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones, a player that is still in the prime of his career and appears to be a target of the Blackhawks.
Per Friedman, the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets are discussing a potential trade that would send the 26-year-old to Chicago:
According to several sources, Chicago and Columbus are taking another run at a Seth Jones trade. During the first attempt, the Blue Jackets discussed Kirby Dach or Alex DeBrincat as the centrepiece, but it wasn’t something the Blackhawks wished to do. What the two teams are trying to do is find common ground without including either of them; finding another mix of Chicago’s young players, prospects and high draft picks. (The Blackhawks are scheduled to select 12th in the first round.) It is believed they are one of the teams that could secure a long-term commitment from Jones.
Woah.
The good news is that neither Kirby Dach or Alex DeBrincat would be the center piece in a deal which would be huge for the Blackhawks if they could pull that off. The note about the Blackhawks being one of the teams that could secure a long-term extension with Jones is also huge.
Earlier this month, Chicago acquired Seth’s younger brother, Caleb, in a deal with Edmonton for Duncan Keith. Will the two brothers be reunited?
Make sure to check out our Chicago Blackhawks forum for the latest on the team.